When you’re on the road and you’re sleeping, the location you put your head in the night can consume a large portion of your budget. But don’t worry, there’s plenty of ways to find affordable, safe and comfortable accommodations.
We find that traveling with children isn’t always going for the cheapest options We want to get the most value for our money. We’re not so keen on roughing it as we used to have been, however we still want to save some dough.
The place and the way you decide to stay depends on several factors, including:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and level of comfort
- How big is your team
- Your interests
Just remember that getting a 15% discount on a room you don’t really need isn’t as effective as paying full price for a hotel you want. So, our goal is to help you save cash on accommodation and find a place you’re happy with.
As our family, we’ve shifted up our accommodation preferences over the years. When we travel for longer periods, we prefer apartments because they have kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Additionally, we can share the costs with friends or other families. But for shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in hostels or hotels that are family-friendly.
If you’re planning an extended trip around the world, try making more time in areas where your money goes further and reduce your expectations in more expensive countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It’s not sensible to find a cheap hotel in a location that is miles from everything , and you’ll need to spend extra on transportation. Consider hotels located in central locations near public transportation, airports and activities like restaurants, the beach and parks.
Stay for more than one night
A lot of hotels offer discounts If you stay for more than two nights. There are times when you can stay four nights and only pay for three nights.
Hit in the Hotel on Sunday
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays, so you may be able to get a bargain. Also, if you book on a Sunday, you’ll be able to avoid the crowds at check-in and checkout on Fridays and Mondays.
Your weekdays can be your best friend
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are more affordable on weekdays than weekends. Therefore, you can stay away from the crowds and save cash by traveling midweek.
Off-season is when the best season is
It’s not a surprise that hotels tend to be more expensive during the off-season. If you’re able to travel in the shoulder season (between the peak season and off-peak), you can reduce costs, avoid crowds and still have decent conditions.
Compare prices across different booking websites
Do not just book on the first site you come across. Compare rates across multiple sites to ensure that you’re getting the most value for money.
Join loyalty programs and sign up
Many hotels and vacation rental companies have loyalty programs through which you can earn points or discount for future stays.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, making reservations early will offer a better price or, in other instances, waiting to the end of the day may result in a lower rate.
Do not be afraid to bargain
If you are booking directly with a hotel , or vacation rental, don’t feel intimidated to ask for a better rate or extra amenities. You never know, they might just say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Vacation rentals, like apartments or homes, can be an ideal option for groups or families. In many cases, they are less expensive than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Benefit from credit card rewards
If you have a credit card with travel rewards, use the rewards for your hotel and save even more money.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels might charge additional fees for things such as resort or cleaning fees, so be sure to check the fine print prior to making your booking.
Find discounts or promotions
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer discounts or promotions for military personnel, students or AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the most affordable deals are found in smaller, independent hotels or vacation rentals that aren’t as popular.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re planning to travel with a furry friend Look for places that cater to pets. Some places offer special deals or discounts for pet owners.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals have special deals or discounts that they promote via social media. Be sure to follow them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Housesitting or home swapping is the process of swapping houses with someone else, allowing you to live in their home while they stay in yours. This is a fantastic method to save on housing while enjoying your personal space.
Consider renting a campervan or RV
If you’re traveling with your family or group, renting a campervan or RV can be a great way to save money on accommodation. In addition, you’ll have the chance to visit different locations and also have your own transportation all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents can often access discounts and special offers which aren’t accessible to the general public. Plus, they can do the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A flight, hotel, and rental car in a bundle deal can sometimes save you cash on each component.
Search for hostels
Hostels are an affordable alternative for solo travelers as well as groups. And with the rise of boutique hostels it is possible to find comfortable, clean, and safe alternatives.
Try home-sharing services
Home-sharing platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and unique accommodation options, for example, staying in a space in a homeowner’s home or renting a complete home for a large number of people.
In addition, Here are some suggestions for finding cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers like T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls typically have a variety of luggage at reduced prices. Make sure you go through these stores before you buy from a traditional department store.
Look for off-season sales
Just like with accommodation You can usually get good bargains on luggage during sale season’s off or at the end of the season. This is especially true for the stores that sell travel and outdoor gear.
Buy refurbished or used
You should consider purchasing used or used luggage. This is a fantastic method to save on high-end brands. You might be able to locate lightly used luggage in perfect condition. Websites such as Amazon and Ebay offer a variety of options, and there are local classifieds as well as garage sales.
In the end, finding affordable lodging and discounted luggage doesn’t need to mean you sacrifice the comfort or security. With a little bit of research and imagination you can locate an ideal accommodation within your budget, and also get amazing deals on luggage for your next journey. By looking at prices by signing up to loyalty programs, making bookings in advance or last-minute booking, taking advantage of sales and discounts, and trying alternative options like holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms to extend your budget and enjoy your travels to the maximum.